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A decent cartridge available on amazon?

Stanton 680E.V3. They're like 45 bucks brand new. I have a soft spot for Stantons though, considering almost everything I own runs one.
 
I have a Grado Gold, an M97xE and several other carts in the under $100 range. For that money I like the Denon DL-110. My last one cost $97 delivered from Comet Supply, though I had to wait a few weeks. Apologies to MM lovers but the DL-110 even beats my AT440MLa. MC tone and clarity without the fussiness of a LOMC.
 
illini said:
Spend the money and get an at440mla or at150mlx
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AT150MLx is at least 200% over the budget he stated. That's a whole different league with many good players. AT440MLa is 100% over his range, though I bought mine for a single Benjy.
 
Personally I've always been partial to Shure cartridges although in addition to a V15 type III, an M91ed, and an M97xE I've also got an Ortofon OM-30 which I like and my Soundsmith SMMC-3 sounds pretty good to me too. That being said, given the choices you've listed, were it me with my tastes, I think I'd go with the Shure.
 
Bauhausler said:
AT150MLx is at least 200% over the budget he stated.
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Then he needs to realign/change his budget or lower his expectations. Not trying to be a jerk, but records are a lot more 'used' than 20 years ago and a microline stylus is almost essential for those.
 
I have the AT120E and the Shure M97xE. Both cartridges sound very good for the price. I don't think you would go wrong with either one of these cartridges. It all depends on what sound you like.
 
illini said:
Then he needs to realign/change his budget or lower his expectations. Not trying to be a jerk, but records are a lot more 'used' than 20 years ago and a microline stylus is almost essential for those.
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You're saying that his records require that he pay more money for a cartridge because time has passed? Apparently you're working with a set of evidence that's not available to me.
 
Both cartridges I have mentioned, trace used records very well. If properly set up, you won't hear any inner groove distortion.
 
Bauhausler said:
You're saying that his records require that he pay more money for a cartridge because time has passed? Apparently you're working with a set of evidence that's not available to me.
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Is he going to buy more (used) records or just keep playing the ones he already has? I have found it more difficult to find mint used records in 2012 than in 1990. And since most of the wear on those is caused by elliptical or conical styli, I would suggest procuring a microline stylus. IME.
 
I had the Shure M97xe for almost two years and had gone through two styluses because they were faulty, the cantilever always snapped after over 6 months of use because of poor quality control. Compared to the budget M92, the sound was muffled and on some records rather distorted. Mind you, it was a VAST improvement over the stock cart the Pyle came with! I am sure if there was better quality control at the present, the M97xe would be a great choice. I recommend, like the above posters, the AT120E. Either that or a Shure M92 if you want good sound for a low price, but with that gift card the AT120E is the best bang for your buck.
 
Bauhausler said:
I have a Grado Gold, an M97xE and several other carts in the under $100 range. For that money I like the Denon DL-110. My last one cost $97 delivered from Comet Supply, though I had to wait a few weeks. Apologies to MM lovers but the DL-110 even beats my AT440MLa. MC tone and clarity without the fussiness of a LOMC.
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I would agree with the DL-110 but the OP has an Amazon Gift Certificate so I did not recommend it.

Comet has the DL-110 for $87. That is a steal. I am buying another one.
 
thanks team,
It looks like i will be going with the shure for sure. The price is right at 67 bucks. And with an amazon gift card how can I lose?

I want to keep this audiophile habit as a ambition and hobby. It is my intention to spend as little as possible. My life style will not support the vast trenches of spending when it comes to this equipment.
so far I have spent $10 on equipment and $20 on records.

But i realize that a stylus is not somewhere i can skip out on.
I will probably endup selling equipment and trading up to better stuff.
I am very happy with my marantz and dual, and look very much forward to listening to the waves of analog sound.

You guys have been great!
 
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